hip replacement operation.

[Choc-1234]

I was wandering any advise on how long people returned to work after hip replacement, surgery now book Tuesday 6th June 23, I know everyone is different , will I be back to work within 12 weeks? How did everyone manage stairs at home. Would I have put bed in lounge? Thanks .

[Jalia]

I had my hip replacement February last year at age 77 so can't comment on return to work . I wouldn't have thought any problem depending on what your work entails.

You should be shown how to manage stairs before you leave hospital . I did not find them a great problem and certainly didn't need a bed downstairs. I had a rail each side of the staircase and personally found it easier to use these rather than crutches. If you don't have a rail each side I would recommend getting one if feasible!

Good luck for June !

[Choc-1234 in reply to Jalia]

thank you maybe a bed is not needed, I have a stair rail on right side shall grab that.

[Jalia in reply to Choc-1234]

I definitely did not need a bed downstairs and I'm not the fittest person! The exercise is good!

[Choc-1234 in reply to Jalia]

same here, so I should manage once a day, morn and eve

[Jeppy in reply to Choc-1234]

you use arm crutch initially to get upstairs and downstairs if you don't want to put up a second rail. UP stairs with GOOD leg and DOWN with bad leg :).

[DorsetLady]

I wrote this on another forum -perhaps have a look- should be able access -

Hospital shouldn’t let you home unless you can manage stairs. Do you have banisters?Do you live alone? If no to first and yes to second you might want to consider sleeping downstairs-for a few nights but I think you’ll be surprised how quickly you recover.

healthunlocked.com/pmrgcauk....

[Choc-1234 in reply to DorsetLady]

thank you for advice

[DorsetLady in reply to Choc-1234]

Compared to knee replacement, a hip is relatively easy (in my mind). Mine was 6 months after knee - I didn’t use crutches (even in hospital) -just walking sticks -and only 2 for a couple of weeks -then down to one.

Just walk as much as you can without getting too tired -and maybe a basic pedal exerciser -one example - but just have a look online or local mobility shop -

completecareshop.co.uk/dail...

[Jackie1947]

Can't help re work as I was retired. I've had both hips done and was on the 15 week recovery programme. Physios at the hospital showed me how to use stairs with crutches.

[Choc-1234 in reply to Jackie1947]

15 week that’s very good, are you pain free now?

[piglette]

I came home and worked from home. I started the following day. In fact I had answered the phone in hospital as I had the calls forwarded. It is a family firm though. I was not allowed to drive for six weeks. I reckon I could have driven earlier. I had a manual which was actually quite good exercise for my leg! You will be surprised what you can do and the pain has gone too!

[Jeppy in reply to piglette]

when did pain go pls ? I still have discomfort walking without a crutch on week 8. If I put full weight through. It's concerning and haven't had solid physio advice sadly. Mixed messages

[piglette in reply to Jeppy]

I had physio after a fashion in hospital and was given some photocopied sheets on exercise. I used a stick outside, but never used crutches at home, mainly because I was rubbish using them. I furniture surfed inside. I did not really have much pain and stopped painkillers after a week or so. I used to try and do a little more each day and would try and walk a little further. I think I started swimming again after around twelve weeks. That really helped.

[Jeppy in reply to piglette]

Thankyou piglet

Maybe it's because I haven't put weight through it enough🤔 You did well. My heel is slightly less than other leg so it makes for a hobble I hope to improve with calf exercise but exspect a heel lift in shoe later on we each have a different story, I was put off surgery for 8 yrs as they said I was too young. I asked registrar last week about swimming at 12 weeks and he said NO I didn't mean breast stroke. Also he wouldn't allow me to get into bath for shower or to commit to a time I can

😫

[piglette in reply to Jeppy]

I was allowed to shower in hospital the day after both my ops. No breast stroke when swimming though. Do you think one leg is shorter than the other? It is important to try and walk without a limp. That may be the problem. Have you tried driving?

[Jeppy in reply to piglette]

there is shortnesss yes either from calf muscle shortening or twisting of pelvis for pre op years But surgeon assured legs are same length physically

I can walk without limp with one crutch. Heels down first

What stroke can you do in water?

Iv got automatic car so fine with a left op!

[piglette in reply to Jeppy]

I normally do back stroke or crawl. Initially I just sort of walked up and down the pool, although it was actually too deep for my feet to touch the bottom, it was a sort of cycling stroke!!

[Jeppy in reply to piglette]

😊 treading water type thing I guess

Thanks for reply

My consultant just phoned thank g. But he's very cagey about going in water pool & bath 💦💦

[piglette in reply to Jeppy]

That is sad. What is he worried about? Infecting the wound? Swimming is incredibly good exercise for any age as the water supports you so well.

[Jeppy in reply to piglette]

I know. Cant wait. Lol. Maybe he thinks I'm a bit bull in china shop but too polite to say. I do have language barrier problem which makes it more stressful I wish I didn't 😊

[piglette in reply to Jeppy]

It is difficult with different languages. I find the same problem when trying to get the car fixed. You come across words that you never normally come across!

[Jeppy in reply to piglette]

haha. Adding masks to the mix had been a non starter 😂

[piglette in reply to Jeppy]

😁😁😁

[Jeppy in reply to piglette]

.....to get over the bath side ? If your leg is straight on a bath transfer board and you eases yourself backwards, are you going more than 90 degrees? I thiught not

[piglette in reply to Jeppy]

I used a shower so did not have that problem.

[DorsetLady in reply to Jeppy]

Water (whatever /wherever) is okay so long as wound has healed -I think he’s probably worried about you getting your hip in a position where dislocation can occur.

Do you have any other health issues tgst might make that more likely?

[Jeppy in reply to DorsetLady]

no not that I'm aware of! 😊

He rang me this aft he doesn't have answer to getting into bath for shower tbh Prob feels bit his Dept but yes very hip reg orientated for sure

[Choc-1234 in reply to Jeppy]

so shortness they can’t guarantee? Wether worth asking , try not make it shorter but don’t want seem I’m telling how to do his job.

[Jeppy in reply to Choc-1234]

sorry choc pleases can you repeat?

How do you mean?

[Choc-1234 in reply to Jeppy]

sorry, I meant say to surgeon on the day try not to make my leg shorter, am sure they try too but don’t want sound like I’m telling him how to do his job.

[Jeppy in reply to Choc-1234]

ha. I felt same but actually spoke to him via hiss Sec the day b4 op. Long story but I wanted him to be aware I had a built up shoe when little. No idea why!? But my sister remembered this. Plus I wanted to remind I had a short heel discrepancy. I wasnt sure we had spoken of it properly I had 2 cancelled pre ops so time had gone by

Just saying to ask your questions b4 for peace of mind.

And as I came round in theatre and he finished op he came around to me and said that my legs are the same length basically

I imagine as my friend pointed out, if you have a worn down 'ball head' you may gain a millimetre x

[Choc-1234 in reply to Jeppy]

I’ll ask him about ball head then all I know is cartilage worn away.

[Jeppy in reply to Choc-1234]

yeah. Always gd to write your queries down beforehand I find

[Jeppy in reply to Choc-1234]

maybe what it's made of etc

[Jeppy in reply to Choc-1234]

...,... 0r 2!!! Back to how you were anyway. Lol. Clever stuff

The new hip shaft sits inside your bone. Well I never knew that till post check

[Choc-1234 in reply to Jeppy]

I didn’t realise that either

[Jeppy in reply to Choc-1234]

Said bones are hollow so they pop it in

[Jeppy in reply to Choc-1234]

,...,.shortness is there b4 op

Some ops can correct it Iv read, not for me sadly Il probably get a heel thing in shoe but not till worked the leg muscles better

[Choc-1234]

wow, be worth it, you kind get used to the pain so to be pain free will be a miracle, I work as hair stylist in salon so def won’t be back the next day unfortunately

[Jalia in reply to Choc-1234]

You will have to make sure you do your exercises , particularly to ensure your balance is good.

[Choc-1234 in reply to Jalia]

I will force myself after all I want recover as soon as pos, so do you still walk about the house a bit?

[Jalia in reply to Choc-1234]

Of course you must. Do make sure there are no trip hazards such as loose rugs etc! (...and cats 🐈 lol!) A tip from me....make a conscious effort in the early days/weeks to lift your feet and not shuffle ( so easy to do when you are feeling weary). I, who have never had a fall in my life fell over twice to my great horror! Left badly bruised and very shaken.

[Choc-1234]

omg, that is horrific, well def are effort lift my feet ant imagine how it is, thanks

[fallingtopieces]

I had my right hip replaced the month before I turned 62. That was 19 months ago now.

I went back to work after 17 weeks. I took a little longer as I’m on my feet for around 6 hours a day. I’m a catering manager, so have quite a physical job…. Bending, twisting, lifting etc. Lots of stair climbing whilst at work too.

I could have gone back after 12 weeks but pleased I took the extra few weeks. I’m totally back to normal and so pleased I had it done. You will be too.

[fallingtopieces in reply to fallingtopieces]

Just to add about the stairs: I have no downstairs toilet, so was up and down the stairs several times a day from day 5 when I came home. I was in for 4 nights as my blood pressure went very low (common after an op) and then had a uti.

A physiotherapist will show you how to do the stairs with crutches, holding onto the handrail with one hand, before you come home. My tip is to buy a ‘leg lifter’ from Amazon to help you in and out of bed.

Good luck

[Jeppy in reply to fallingtopieces]

hi I could have written your first para :). I ha e pain up my crutch side and wonder if it is muscle strain. Anybody else experienced pls?

[Choc-1234]

both your messages has put me more at ease, I’m on my feet all day with my job , thank you so much for that.

[fallingtopieces in reply to Choc-1234]

I had doubts re being able to do my job ever again, even at the week 9-10 post op stage. But honestly, I’m so much better than I have been for years. Totally able to do my job. Was a bit hard when I first went back but that was because I needed to get used to everything again.

[Choc-1234 in reply to fallingtopieces]

that’s re assuring, freaks me out the thought of not able go back to work

[willat]

hiya 6 weeks to admin work, possibly longer to anything standing or walking roles

[Choc-1234 in reply to willat]

thank you I’m in a job standing all day, prob why I’m having hip replacement, if be relieved if I’m fit enough for 12 weeks

[Finaus]

Stair rail both sides of stairs and one set of crutches at bottom of stairs and one set at the top.

[Jeppy]

hi. I couldn't be without grabber sticks and sock aid! :). You soon adapt and stairs are exercise it has made me pace! Probably first time in my life quite a learning curve. Good luck. Enjoyed Call the Midwife on Netflix as missed it first time around it filled a good few rest gaps 🙂

[Jeppy]

ps. I have loo up stairs not down, I put a tele upstairs plus's kettle and bought milk sachets on line I didn't know what to expect either so thought I was then set up so to speak for few days 😊

Forgot to mention I put old microwave in a spare bedroom! Bought a few tins of soup lol. Needless to say never used any of it!

[Choc-1234 in reply to Jeppy]

you done very well, so are we expected sit in chair or lie in bed at first. ?

[Jeppy in reply to Choc-1234]

by all accounts you get up with nurses to walk a bit on op day and can sit in chair mostly but I was so tired so got into bed a bit for naps. Tired as my bladder had been urgent ado getting up every couple of hours isn't great to feel rested! But that's jussi me & menopause.

[Choc-1234 in reply to Jeppy]

well done , you got through the hard bit, one month today I’ll be going in,am very lucky to have the op, been told it will give me a new lease of life, want to recover as soon as poss

[Jeppy in reply to Choc-1234]

good luck!!! New chapter

[Blackknight1989]

I had both knees replaced before hips replaced (and elbow's replaced before other joints). Of all the most difficult for me was the hips. Not so much that the operations were worse or post-op pain was as bad just the feeling of instability from the hips. Fine now, some pain especially on those rainy , cloudy days but that’s to be expected. And I really shouldn’t complain because the pre-op arthritic pain sucked as most know.

[Choc-1234 in reply to Blackknight1989]

your bionic lol , how long using sticks abd pain meds , everyone is different I know not ready stop using sticks yet only been just over a week

[Blackknight1989 in reply to Choc-1234]

I’m not bionic I just really liked my surgeon…lol!

I still ise sticks occasionally but I know what you mean. I was able to give them up at the 4/5 week mark. Maybe because I had both knees replaced first I had some “muscle memory” that allowed me to come of the crutches faster. My best friend (from 8th. grade lol!) is a bone butcher and as such I’m allowed some liberties maybe most aren’t…or maybe I should say I TAKE some liberties others don’t feel comfortable taking…lol!

For the knees I needed both crutches (off and on) over a 6/8 week recovery but hips were easier to recover from in my experience.

I understand you had yours done and read your description of your resulting relief. I’m 5/6 years post last surgery and still relate to the feeling of relief whenever I read something like you wrote. That’s probably unusual or weird but it’s a reality for me nonetheless…I hope your relief continues as it is today, my hips have been the best post op of any of the joints I’ve had done…for what it’s worth…take care!